Bowling is about more than knocking down pins, alley managers say

Oct. 23, 2012

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Telegraph-Forum

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BUCYRUS – There are several things important to Butch Pangallo, and two of them are the bowling business and helping others.

In the year since Pangallo and his wife, Robin, took over management of Suburban Lanes Bowling Alley and Restaurant, 975 Hopley Ave., they have made many changes. Owner Mike Sashko lives in Cleveland.

“I recently started Teen Night on Saturdays. I want kids to have a fun place to hang out yet ... doing something they enjoy,” Pangallo said.

Teen Night is from 9 p.m. to midnight and costs $12, which includes bowling and shoe rental.

“It’s glow bowling, and we have colored pins for added prizes, dance contests, food and lots of fun. The kids have a chance to win free games, gift cards and other prizes,” Pangallo said.

Pangallo, who was raised in the bowling alley business, would like to see more families bowling.

“We are starting an Adult-Youth Bowling League on Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. It will run for 15 weeks and there will be one adult and one youth per team,” he said. “At the end of the league, each youth will receive their choice of a free bowling ball, bicycle or mini-stereo.”

To benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Pangallo will offer a “Hallow-Weekend” this weekend, which will include a Friday night performance by Sinister Midget in the restaurant and a car show from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday.

“The car show will be held in our parking lot and will feature music by The Rough Country Band. Registration is $7 per car, with $2 of that going to Cystic Fibrosis. We will be grilling hot dogs, bratwurst and hamburgers,” Pangallo said. “We need people to get their vehicles registered and also need local businesses to sponsor trophies at $20 each.”

Pangallo said the fun doesn’t stop there.

“We will then be holding a Moonlight Scotch Doubles Saturday evening beginning at 8:30 p.m. and it is $30 per couple, with $5 going to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Music for that event will be provided by the Copper Basin Band inside the bowling area,” Pangallo said.

Pangallo said he enjoys hosting family events, such as graduation and birthday parties, at the bowling alley.

“We even had a wedding reception here recently,” Pangallo said.

Pangallo said he and his wife love meeting new people.

“We absolutely love this business. We want to do what we can for the community,” Pangallo said.